EP0889824B1 - Transfer system for products and utilities - Google Patents
Transfer system for products and utilities Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0889824B1 EP0889824B1 EP96934245A EP96934245A EP0889824B1 EP 0889824 B1 EP0889824 B1 EP 0889824B1 EP 96934245 A EP96934245 A EP 96934245A EP 96934245 A EP96934245 A EP 96934245A EP 0889824 B1 EP0889824 B1 EP 0889824B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connection
- lines
- vessel
- transfer system
- group
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
- B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
- B63B21/507—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for transferring fluids, electricity, or an optical signal between two bodies between which there is relative movement. More specifically, it relates to a system which makes it possible to transfer, between a vessel and petroleum wells or manifolds or pipelines located on the sea-bed or a second vessel, hydrocarbons and utilities whose origin or destination is a vessel or a platform.
- One form of system used to discharge offshore petroleum production does so via a vessel which is anchored at a single point but has the ability to turn around it.
- This vessel generally a ship, receives the petroleum via submerged lines which run to it.
- the petroleum is then stored in tanks on board the vessel until such time as it is transferred to a collection point which may, for example, be o petroleum carrier which will transport it to land.
- the discharge of the petroleum to the vessel is one of the critical points in this operution since, if the vessel can turn about a point, it is necessary to have a mechanical device which prevents the submerged lines from twisting excessively.
- a further alternative is disclosed at page 45 of "Marine Engineers Review", March 1995, and consists of a system formed basically of a horizontal reel on which flexible lines are wound, these being connected at one end to the lines fixed to the vessel and at the other end to the lines which run via the central part of the reel and originate from the anchoring tower.
- the flexible lines on the reel are aligned vertically one upon the other inside an articulated structure which is unwound or rewound as the vessel turns, in one direction or the other, about the anchoring point.
- This system has the advantage of avoiding the use of dynamic seals, but it imposes a serious restriction on the vessel's ability to turn, which is, generally speaking, limited to ⁇ 270°.
- the present invention aims to provide a novel solution to the problem of transferring products and utilities, and consists of a refinement of the reel alternative, incorporating into it the advantage of unlimited turning ability offered by the stacked swivel system, and also other features which make this invention highly attractive.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a system which can be used to transfer fluids and utilities between a vessel and the sea-bed or to another vessel or a platform.
- a transfer system for transferring products and utilities between a vessel and a second location such as a petroleum well, a manifold, a pipeline, or a second vessel, comprising a structure in the form of a multiple reel with a cylindrical central opening, and at least two groups of flexible lines supported by articulated structures and wound around the multiple reel, each said group occupying one of the reels; wherein each group of flexible lines is interconnected at one of its ends to a wall located in the central region of the multiple reel, where the terminals of rigid lines and cables which are extensions of the production and utility lines are located; wherein at its other end, each group of flexible lines is connected to a respective one of a set of circumferentially spaced connection blocks which are able to move along rails; and wherein the said groups of flexible lines provide different flow paths, in parallel, from the production and utility lines to the connection blocks.
- a system of this type is formed basically by a multiple reel fixed horizontally on top of a cylindrical anchoring tower interconnected to the vessel and by groups of flexible lines wound on each of the reels.
- Each group of flexible lines runs inside an articulated structure which supports the lines individually and reduces the forces which act on them as a result of movement of the lines on the multiple reel as the vessel turns about the axis of the cylindrical anchoring tower, coincident with the axis of the multiple reel.
- connection block which can move on rails arranged as a circular track at the periphery of the multiple reel.
- the cylindrical anchoring tower has rotational freedom of movement with respect to the vessel.
- These groups of flexible lines are redundant and may be connected to connection plates, on at least one connection tower fixed to the vessel, via connection blocks mounted on rails, which gives the group total freedom of rototion,
- the block When the block is uncoupled from the plate it can then, through the action of a motor installed in it, move together with the group of flexible lines for which it serves as the terminal, until these lines are repositioned in a more suitable configuration. The coupling between the block and the plate in front of it can then be made.
- connection blocks, the plates, and the connection towers have valves and facilities which permit the operations of connecting, disconnecting and testing the seal of the connections.
- Figure 1 shows a vessel (1) with the system (2) in accordance with the present invention for transferring products and utilities.
- the transfer system is shown located at the bows of a ship. Although this is a satisfactory location it should not be regarded as a limitation on the use of the system of the present invention, since this may be used at any location on a vessel.
- Figure 1 also shows anchoring lines (3) and the production and utility lines (4) which are interconnected to the transfer system (2). Fluids, electricity, and optical signals are able to pass through the production and utility lines (4).
- the interconnection between the flexible production and utility lines (4) and the transfer system (2) is achieved by moons of rigid lines which, for the sake of simplification and also because they do not form part of the present invention, are not shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 2 shows the transfer system (2) in greater detail. It is possible to see the multiple reel (5), which, in the present preferred embodiment, is a double reel.
- the multiple reel (5) is fixed directly to and coaxially on the cylindrical anchoring tower (6).
- this imaginary axis is represented by the line (12).
- the multiple reel (5) has a cylindrical opening (7) in its central part.
- the cylindrical anchoring tower (6) has total rotational freedom of movement with respect to the vessel.
- Groups of flexible lines run inside articulated structures (8, 9) which are similar in nature to bicycle chains. In addition to supporting the groups of flexible lines, these structures reduce the loads acting on them as a result of the fuming of the vessel.
- the two groups or flexible lines can be wound on or unwound from the multiple reel (5), depending on the relative rotational movements between the vessel and the cylindrical anchoring tower (6).
- the groups of flexible lines supported by the structures (8, 9) are each connected at one of its ends to the cylindrical wall (20) located in the central region of the multiple reel (5) where the ends of the rigid lines and the terminals which interconnect to the flexible production and utility lines (4) are located
- each group of flexible lines is connected to the respective connection block (10, 11) which runs on rails (19).
- These rails are arranged in circles whose axis of symmetry coincides with the verticol axis (12), thus keeping the path of movement of each connection block (10, 11) constantly circular and at the some distance from the vertical axis (12).
- connection blocks (10, 11) may be connected to connection plates on connection towers (13, 14) fixed directly to the vessel and integral with it.
- connection towers (13, 14) fixed directly to the vessel and integral with it.
- connection towers (13, 14) arranged in diametrically opposed positions, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. It is, however, possible to use any other number of connection towers, depending on the peculiarities of each situation.
- connection towers (13, 14) As the groups of flexible lines supported by the articulated structures (8, 9) ore wound on the multiple reel (5) at different levels, the First being above the second, in this case with the first at the top and the second at the bottom, the connection towers (13, 14) have connection plates located at different levels so as to make it possible to achieve perfect coupling of the connection towers (13, 14) to the connection blocks (10, 11).
- connection block (10) can be coupled to the connection tower (13) by means of the connection plate (15), or to the connection tower (14) by means of the connection plate (17).
- connection block (11) may be coupled to the connection tower (13) by means of the connection plate (16), or to the connection tower (14) by means of the connection plate (18).
- connection blocks and plates are designed so as to guarantee that, when the couplings are mode, the flows in the flexible production and utility lines (4) are correctly conveyed to the intended points by the flexible lines supported by the articulated structures (8, 9). In other words, it must, for example, be guaranteed that the flow of oil originating from an underwater well or from an underwater manifold is correctly conveyed to the primary processing plant.
- connection blocks (10, 11) The connections effected by the groups of flexible lines linked to the connection blocks (10, 11) are redundant. It is therefore possible, while the vessel is making angular movements about the axis of the multiple reel (5), to reposition one group of flexible lines while the other group is disconnected, without adversely affecting production or other essential functions.
- Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the transfer system (2) of the present invention.
- the articulated structures (8, 9) which support the groups of flexible lines are in different positions.
- Each connection block (10, 11) can be coupled to any one of the connection towers (13, 14), depending on what is appropriate at the time the connection is mode.
- connection plates (15, 16, 17, 18) of the towers (13, 14) may be actuated remotely, to move radially towards the multiple reel, so as to permit their connection to the connection block (10, 11) with which they are associated.
- the seal at the connections of the lines where the oil end gas flow may be tested using procedures in general use in the petroleum industry.
- connection blocks (10, 11) make it possible to carry out the actions necessary for coupling the connection blocks (10, 11) to the connection plates (15, 16, 17, 18),
- a motor is installed in the blocks to provide the necessary mechanical pouwer to move them over the rails (19); this may, for example, be a hydraulic or electric motor.
- connection blocks (10, 11), the connection plates (15, 16, 17, 18), and the connection towers (13, 14) have valves which permit the operations of connecting, disconnecting and testing the seal of the connections.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Pipeline Systems (AREA)
- Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
- Storage Of Web-Like Or Filamentary Materials (AREA)
- Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
- Replacement Of Web Rolls (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Description
Claims (3)
- A transfer system (2) for transferring products and utilities between a vessel and a second location such as a petroleum well, a manifold, a pipeline, or a second vessel, comprising a structure in the form of a multiple reel (5) with a cylindrical central opening (7), and at least two groups of flexible lines supported by articulated structures (8, 9) and wound around the multiple reel (5), each said group occupying one of the reels; wherein each group of flexible lines is interconnected at one of its ends to a wall (20) located in the central region of the multiple reel (5), where the terminals of rigid lines and cables which are extensions of production and utility lines (4) are located; wherein, at its other end, each group of flexible lines is connected to a respective one of a set of circumferentially spaced connection blocks (10, 11) which are able to move along rails (19); and wherein the said groups of flexible lines provide different flow paths, in parallel, from the production and utility lines (4) to the connection blocks (10, 11).
- A transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the connection blocks (10, 11) are able to be coupled to connection plates (15, 16, 17, 18) on at least one connection tower (13, 14).
- A transfer system according to claim 2, wherein the connection plates (15, 16, 17, 18) are able to be actuated remotely to move radially inwardly of the multiple reel to make it possible to connect them to the connection block with which they are associated.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR9600114 | 1996-03-27 | ||
BR9601144 | 1996-03-27 | ||
BR9601144A BR9601144A (en) | 1996-03-27 | 1996-03-27 | Transfer system for products and utilities |
PCT/BR1996/000048 WO1997035759A1 (en) | 1996-03-27 | 1996-10-30 | Transfer system for products and utilities |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0889824A1 EP0889824A1 (en) | 1999-01-13 |
EP0889824B1 true EP0889824B1 (en) | 2001-07-04 |
Family
ID=4063757
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96934245A Expired - Lifetime EP0889824B1 (en) | 1996-03-27 | 1996-10-30 | Transfer system for products and utilities |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5755531A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0889824B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1072583C (en) |
AU (1) | AU721597B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9601144A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2260124C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2158352T3 (en) |
ID (1) | ID16353A (en) |
NO (1) | NO313627B1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ320053A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997035759A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2954267B1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-03-02 | Technip France | INSTALLATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE PRODUCTION AND TREATMENT OF FLUIDS, OF THE TYPE COMPRISING A FLOATING UNIT, PROVIDED WITH A SINGLE POINT MOORING SYSTEM |
GB201103413D0 (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2011-04-13 | Techflow Marine Ltd | Improvements in or relating to hose loading stations |
EP2778041A1 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-17 | Bluewater Energy Services B.V. | Assembly for transferring fluids between a vessel and a turret structure mounted in said vessel |
GB2528674A (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2016-02-03 | Techflow Marine Ltd | A tandem reel assembly |
EP3571117B1 (en) * | 2017-01-19 | 2021-03-10 | Single Buoy Moorings, Inc. | Chain table for a turret of a vessel |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3430670A (en) * | 1967-01-26 | 1969-03-04 | British Petroleum Co | Fluid-handling apparatus |
US4182584A (en) * | 1978-07-10 | 1980-01-08 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Marine production riser system and method of installing same |
US4400109A (en) * | 1980-12-29 | 1983-08-23 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Complaint riser yoke assembly with breakway support means |
US4448569A (en) * | 1981-06-22 | 1984-05-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Lift sling emplacement device |
GB2220453B (en) * | 1988-06-14 | 1992-02-19 | Houlder Offshore Engineering | Pipe distribution system |
NO885306L (en) * | 1988-11-28 | 1990-05-29 | Golar Nor Offshore As | SYSTEM FOR TRANSFER OF FLUIDS FROM A PIPE ORIGIN IN A SHIPS HULL TO A TURNOVER AND VICE VERSA. |
GB2298175B (en) * | 1995-02-25 | 1998-05-27 | Offshore Design Engineering Li | Improvements in or relating to turret-moored vessels |
-
1996
- 1996-03-27 BR BR9601144A patent/BR9601144A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-10-30 CA CA002260124A patent/CA2260124C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-10-30 NZ NZ320053A patent/NZ320053A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-10-30 EP EP96934245A patent/EP0889824B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-10-30 CN CN96180239A patent/CN1072583C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-10-30 WO PCT/BR1996/000048 patent/WO1997035759A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-10-30 ES ES96934245T patent/ES2158352T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-10-30 AU AU72717/96A patent/AU721597B2/en not_active Expired
- 1996-12-27 US US08/774,212 patent/US5755531A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-02-27 ID IDP970594A patent/ID16353A/en unknown
-
1998
- 1998-09-21 NO NO19984383A patent/NO313627B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1997035759A1 (en) | 1997-10-02 |
AU721597B2 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
NO313627B1 (en) | 2002-11-04 |
NZ320053A (en) | 1999-05-28 |
AU7271796A (en) | 1997-10-17 |
CA2260124A1 (en) | 1997-10-02 |
BR9601144A (en) | 1998-01-06 |
CN1072583C (en) | 2001-10-10 |
ES2158352T3 (en) | 2001-09-01 |
CN1216026A (en) | 1999-05-05 |
CA2260124C (en) | 2002-09-03 |
NO984383L (en) | 1998-11-18 |
NO984383D0 (en) | 1998-09-21 |
US5755531A (en) | 1998-05-26 |
ID16353A (en) | 1997-09-25 |
EP0889824A1 (en) | 1999-01-13 |
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